"Well, to tell the honest truth, fellows, I'm nearly as much in the dark
as the rest of you," admitted Max, looking perplexed.

"But then you've had experience, and ought to know what sort of racket a
bobcat makes when he's on the rampage?" insisted Steve, belligerently.

"On the rampage! My goodness!" echoed Bandy-legs, at the same time
making sure to move still closer to the blaze; for he suddenly
recollected that nearly all the really dangerous beasts of the wilds are
afraid of fire.

"It came so suddenly, and lasted so short a time, that I didn't have
much of a chance to make up my mind," Max went on; "but if you really
want me to say what I suspect made it, I will."

"Go on," Steve said, encouragingly, "I guess we can stand it all right."

He had picked up the shotgun which Max had thought best to bring along,
though not expecting to use it in shooting any game like rabbits,
squirrels, partridges or quail, since summer was the off season for such
things. And when Steve became excited he looked very warlike indeed.
Why, Bandy-legs began to feel more confidence just by looking at the
ferocious expression Steve assumed. It was good to feel that you had a
"fighting chum" nearby, in time of need.

"Yes, let's have it, Max; we're ready to hear the worst," Owen went on.

"It sounded more like a human voice than anything else I can think of!"
was what Max immediately said, very calmly indeed.